If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

Re: Blazers may have a deal in place

Re: Blazers may have a deal in place

I've heard reports that a lot of teams are talking to Portland about the No. 3 pick. The article below suggests they like Martel Webster, but given the Oregonian's track record of getting this kind of thing right, I would bet against it.

Also, on the radio last night was a strong denial that the Blazers and Lakers have made a deal. It's showing up on some blogs. I think it's wishful thinking from someone in LA.

Webster gives Blazers eyeful
Yes, the Seattle prep standout can shoot, and yes, he can play defense, but should he be the No. 3 pick?
Friday, June 24, 2005
JASON QUICK

Under the watchful eye of owner Paul Allen, Martell Webster put on a show last week at the Portland Trail Blazers' practice facility in Tualatin.

Jump shots went through the basket with alarming frequency, prompting general manager John Nash to say Webster was "a big-time shooter." Later, Nash quipped that as many shots went in "as some of our (Blazers) practices."

And when the 6-foot-73/4, 233-pound shooting guard dribbled against the fiesty Washington guard Nate Robinson and athletic Rashad McCants of North Carolina, Nash was reduced to the simplist of compliments: "Very impressive."

To top it off, the 18-year-old high schooler from Seattle Prep showed the Blazers something they weren't expecting: defense.

"What he demonstrated was the ability to guard," Nash said. "He really moved his feet. In the early part of the workouts they really went hard at each other and Martell Webster's defense was very, very good."

It was, quite frankly, perhaps the most impressive workout the Blazers have seen this month, raising the possibility that the shooting-guard deficient Blazers might have found their man when it comes time for the third pick in Tuesday's NBA draft.

"Oh, I think Martell is certainly under consideration for three, sure," Nash said, hardly containing his enthusiasm. "And he could very possibly be that guy."

Webster's eye-opening workout didn't go unnoticed by one of the Blazers' cornerstones, forward Zach Randolph, who watched the display while rehabilitating his right knee.

"That kid can shoot the ball," Randolph said. "He is going to be a good player. He's got a nice body, and what, he's only 18? He's only going to get better."

Randolph paused, then pointed across the court to Allen, who was still seated near the workout area with his eyes on Webster.

"He's got The Man watching, too," Randolph said with a smile. "That's gotta say something when The Man comes to watch you. You don't see the owner coming for many workouts."

Although the Blazers said Allen's appearance at Webster's workout was mostly happenstance, the experience of being under a watchful eye was nothing new to Webster.

His left arm proves it.

She might as well be telling the Blazers the same thing about Webster. Don't underestimate the kid; he has come so far, so brilliantly, to be discounted. The Blazers, it seems, would have a hard time arguing.

"He is an impressive kid, all around," Nash said. "He is going to be a really, really good player in this league."

Re: Blazers may have a deal in place

Butler isn't going anywhere. Phil Jackson is very high on him and he sees a Scottie Pippen like player somewhere buried in Caron. He said he is planning on having Caron handle the ball more, and take the exact same route he took with Scottie.

Re: Blazers may have a deal in place

Butler isn't going anywhere. Phil Jackson is very high on him and he sees a Scottie Pippen like player somewhere buried in Caron. He said he is planning on having Caron handle the ball more, and take the exact same route he took with Scottie.

Butler said Jackson sized him up with two questions. The first was how tall Butler really was; the answer: about 6-foot-6. The second was whether Butler liked handling the ball, a likely clue of where he will fit into Jackson's favored triangle offense.

Re: Blazers may have a deal in place

This is just a stupid rumor. Portland isnt giving up the #3 pick to move down 7 spots and pick up yet another SF.

Also I dont think Jackson or the Lakers see Pippen in Butler. Next time you see Butler play watch his feet on defense and you can see why the Pippen comparison is ludicrous. Any talk of Butler being like Pippen is hyperbole.